TROPICAL STORM ETA MOVES SOUTHWEST OVER GULF OF MEXICO WITH CHANCE OF CIRCLING BACK TO UNITED STATES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 AS OF 4:00 PM EST
Currently, Tropical Storm Eta is approximately 210 miles north-northeast of the western tip of Cuba, moving southwest at 14 miles per hour (mph). Eta made landfall in the Florida Keys yesterday, resulting in a number of power outages. Upon impact, more than 46,000 power outages were reported across Florida, with Miami-Dade and Broward County experiencing 14,896 and 9,512 outages, respectively. As of this afternoon, nearly 30,000 customers remain without power.
The storm is now moving in a southwesterwardly direction with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Heavy rainfall is anticipated for parts of Cuba, the Bahamas, and southern and central Florida. The Florida Keys, south and central Florida, and northwestern Bahamas are expected to continue facing gusty wind conditions throughout the day today — the NHC forecasting potential for tornadic activity over areas of south Florida and the Florida Keys. Additionally, the storm could produce an additional one to three inches of rain for the Bahamas, while parts of Cuba could experience an additional three to five inches of rain through Saturday.
Eta, decreasing in forward speed, has made an expected southwestward turn, moving back into the Gulf of Mexico for the next 24 to 36 hours. Over the next several days, a large mid-latitude trough across the Rocky Mountains is expected to migrate eastward and slowly erode, enabling Eta to switch direction and move northward to north-northeastward.
TS Eta Satellite Imagery: NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)
The NHC has projected that the storm will continue up the west Florida coast, traveling between 40 and 73 mph through Friday, November 13. Areas of central and southern Florida peninsula (including the Florida Keys) could face two to four extra inches of rain as well, with isolated maximum rainfall expected to be near 18 inches in South Florida.
Here’s the brand new 7am #Eta advisory. Tropical storm warnings dropped for the #Bahamas but still in play for South Florida. The system is now 80 miles wsw of #KeyWest and continues to move west. Stay with @nbc6https://t.co/PKdbgxwLAa pic.twitter.com/bv6IiePQLV
— Adam Berg (@AdamBergNBC6) November 9, 2020
TS Eta Advisory: Twitter
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the NHC provide guidance and awareness to those preparing for, experiencing, or who are affected by hurricanes and tropical storms. Eta could bring strong winds and rain surge to Florida’s southern coast, which is expected to create flash flooding.
Heavy rain from #Eta is projected to bring flash flooding to the parts of South Florida. Monitor the weather updates and instructions of your local officials to stay safe.
⚠️ Remember, floodwaters hide many dangers. If you come across a flooded road, turn around, don’t drown! pic.twitter.com/iNiO1Hbtdr
— FEMA (@fema) November 9, 2020
Ready.gov: Twitter
Ready.gov reminds individuals to start making a plan now and to get the most up-to-date information from local weather sources if you are in an area that could be affected by Eta.
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